Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions

ABSTRACT

A network based computerized system for managing a trip. The network based computerized system includes a network, which includes one or more of the Internet and a wide area network. The network based computerized system includes a server coupled to the network running a network based application for allowing a user of a client computer coupled with the network to store, on the server, data relating to the trip. The network based computerized system includes a cellular telephone system coupled to the network for allowing a user of a portable electronic device disposed for wirelessly communicating with the cellular telephone system to access the server and download the data relating to the trip. The portable electronic device performs a geo-locating function for determining a geographic location of the portable electronic device and accesses a signal relating to the geographic location generated by a system for determining the geographic location.

This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/971,354, entitled “Systems, Methods and Devices for Trip ManagementFunctions,” filed on Oct. 22, 2004, now abandoned which application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates to the field of tripplanning. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relateto systems, methods, and devices for trip management functions.

BACKGROUND

Technology for geographical locating (in which a coordinate system suchas latitude/longitude is employed, and hereinafter referred to asgeo-locating) provides useful benefits to a host of persons includingtravelers, adventurers, outdoor activity enthusiasts and otherprofessionals in geographical information systems mapping applications,and surveying. Such technology has made available, at affordable prices,reliable geo-locating and position indicating devices such as hand-heldGlobal Positioning System (GPS) devices such as the eTrex™ offered bythe Garmin Corp. Such devices can dock with a personal computer (PC) anddownload therefrom a variety of data, e.g., via a serial cable, whichcan then be taken portably with the device. Such data can include maps,trip planning information, and the like.

Web sites have been developed which feature trip reports andinformation. For instance, information relating to hikes, prospecting,fishing, hunting, and recreation spots are available on line. Suchinformation can includes pictures, sounds, text based data such asnotes, reports, memoranda, memoirs, etc., and the like. Maps, terraincontours, hazards, and other information can be of interest and value toa person planning or otherwise managing a trip.

Conventionally, a person managing a trip can procure a hand-held GPS orother geo-location related device. Mapping software can be procured andloaded onto a PC. The hand-held GPS device can be connected, e.g., witha serial bus connector, to the PC and waypoints and/or other datadownloaded thereto from the PC. Thus, the hand-held GPS device can betaken along on the trip loaded with valuable information relatingthereto. Further, a cellular telephone can be taken along to providecommunication, which can be important to trip management, or evencrucial in an emergency.

During the trip, a user can access data, e.g., by first determiningtheir geo-location, and then finding and displaying a map or other datarelevant to that position. Also during the trip, the user can addinformation, relating for instance to points of interest, to the device.Other information, such as digital photographs, can be recorded, e.g.,with a digital camera and/or a tape recorder, etc. Upon return from thetrip, the waypoints can be uploaded from the GPS, the photographs fromthe digital camera, etc., to the PC. This information can be madeavailable to others interested in the trip, such as by emailing a textmessage and/or attaching a photograph. Alternatively, the informationcan be posted on a service website, such as Yahoo's photo postingservice (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com) or www.Ophoto.com, etc.

Such conventional trip management requires that a variety of differentpieces of equipment be taken on the trip. However, this can beinconvenient, cumbersome, prone to loss, and expensive. During triprelated travels, perhaps most particularly in an outdoors situation suchas hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc., space, weight, andtoting capacity can be at a premium. Thus, requiring multiple pieces ofequipment can be burdensome. Uploading information related to tripmanagement typically must await return therefrom, or establishing, e.g.,on an ad hoc basis, a network to upload the information remotely.

SUMMARY

What is needed is a system, method, or device that reduces the equipmentrequirements associated with trip management functions, so as toameliorate inconvenience, encumbrance, loss, and expense. Thus, what isneeded is a system, method, or device for trip management functions thatoptimizes space, weight, and toting capacity, particularly in outdoorssituations such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc. Whatis also needed is a system, method, or device for trip managementfunctions that dynamically presents information to users based on theirgeo-location. Further, what is needed is a system, method, or device fortrip management functions that readily allows remote uploading ofinformation related to trip management.

Accordingly, systems, methods, and devices for performing a tripmanagement function are disclosed. The system, method, and devicereduces the equipment requirements associated with trip managementfunctions, thus ameliorating inconvenience, encumbrance, loss, andexpense. Thus, the system, method, and device for trip managementfunctions optimizes space, weight, and toting capacity, particularly foroutdoors situations such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities,etc. The system, method, and device for trip management functions alsodynamically present information to users based on their geo-location.Further, the system, method, and device for trip management functionsreadily allow remote uploading of information related to tripmanagement.

In one embodiment, a client computer accesses a server networkedtherewith to retrieve and store data, such as Web documents, relating tothe trip. A wireless device interface allows a portable device,wirelessly coupled with a cellular telephone system with the network, todownload the Web document. The portable device has cellular telephonefunctionality, geo-locating functionality, such as GPS capability, fordetermining its geo-location, and a processor for processing the Webdocument to help manage the trip. The Web document can include a set ofmap tiles, which encompass a particular geo-location area, and whichform a dynamic map display. As the geo-location of the device changes,the next sequential map tile is downloaded and processed for displayedthereon. Additionally, a variety of non-recreational activities canbenefit from this trip 1 planning, data collection, and reportingservice. Utility or maintenance crews, or construction crews, performinginstallations, repairs, or upgrades to any such equipment or facility,whether in an urban location or a rural location, can benefit from useof these trip planning, guidance, and documentation collection andmanagement tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network environment upon which an embodimentof the present invention can be practiced.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary network based infrastructure upon which anembodiment of the present invention can be practiced.

FIG. 3A depicts a portable device, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary circuit, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a computer implemented process for managing a1trip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary network based computerized system, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary map, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary Web-based, computerized application system,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps in an exemplary computer implementedprocess for managing a trip, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 depicts exemplary data flow between a server and a portableelectronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a screen shot of an exemplary display corresponding tothe positions of GPS satellites (including any other GNSS such asGalileo™), according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary computerized, network basedprocess for accessing data relating to a location with reference to afree form input, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary computerized process for managinga trip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems, methods, and devices for performing a trip management functionare disclosed. Reference is now made in detail to several embodiments ofthe invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing figures. While the invention will be described in conjunctionwith these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the presentinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, one ofordinary skill in the art will realize that embodiments of the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known devices, circuits, methods, processes, procedures,systems, components, and apparatus, etc. have not been described indetail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the presentinvention.

Portions of the detailed description that follows are presented anddiscussed in terms of a process. Although steps and sequencing thereofare disclosed in figures herein (e.g., FIGS. 4, 8, 11, and 12)describing the operations of processes (e.g., process 400, 800, 1100,and 120, respectively), such steps and sequencing are exemplary.Embodiments of the present invention are well suited to performingvarious other steps or variations of the steps recited in the flowchartof the figure herein, and in a sequence other than that depicted anddescribed herein. In one embodiment, such a process is carried out byprocessors and electrical and electronic components under the control ofcomputer readable and computer executable instructions comprising codecontained in a computer usable medium.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method, anddevice for performing a trip management function. In one embodiment, aclient computer accesses a server networked therewith to retrieve andstore data, such as Web documents, relating to the trip. A wirelessdevice interface allows a portable device, wirelessly coupled with acellular telephone system with the network, to download the Webdocument. The portable device has cellular telephone functionality,geo-locating functionality, such as GPS, Galileo™, or any other GlobalNavigation Satellite Service (GNSS) capability, for determining itsgeo-location, and a processor for processing the Web document to helpmanage the trip. The Web document can include a set of map tiles, whichencompass a particular geo-location area, and which form a dynamic mapdisplay. As the geolocation of the device changes, the next sequentialmap tile is downloaded and processed for displayed thereon.

Therefore, a system, method, and device for performing a trip managementfunction are provided wherein the number, variety, etc. of differentpieces of equipment to be taken on a trip for performing trip managementfunctions is effectively reduced. Advantageously, this promotes userconvenience and ease. This can be especially advantageous in an outdoorssituation such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc.,where space, weight, and toting capacity are typically at a premium.Loss and expense associated with conventional trip management functionsare also thus reduced. Further, uploading information related to tripmanagement can readily be performed remotely, e.g., from the field.

Exemplary Network Environment

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network environment 100 upon which anembodiment of the present invention can be practiced. In network 100, aclient computer 101 is coupled with a server computer 102 with (e.g.,via) network 110. Network 110 can comprise the Internet, a wide areanetwork (WAN), and/or a combination of the Internet and one or moreWANs. A portable electronic device 114, such as a cellular telephone(e.g., having cellular telephone functionality), can couple with network110, server computer 102, etc. with cellular telephone system 117, e.g.,wirelessly.

In one embodiment, portable device 114 functions to determine itsgeographic location, for instance, by accessing signals 151 to determinethat location The geo-location source signals are generated by aposition-determination system and are available to the portable device114 via radio transmissions. A position fix is determined by a suitableposition determination receiver in response to a location related queryby portable device 114. The position determination receiver may beconfigured to receive signals from Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) satellites, such as GPS, or Galileo™, or from otherterrestrially-based position determination sources. Additionally,improved position fix accuracy can be obtained by the incorporation ofanother receiver configured to receive differential correction signalsfrom such sources as the Coast Guard DGPS network, the Wide AreaAugmentation System (WAAS), other such satellite based correctionsystems, and other such terrestrial correction systems. These signalsare transmitted at a variety of different frequency bands and require aspecialized receiver for each band. Such receivers are now commonplacein the market, particularly for commercial applications, and as such area well-known option in GPS receiver supply.

In one embodiment, portable device 114 accesses the geo-location relatedsignal 151 from the Global Positioning System (GPS, e.g., a collection,of satellites, launched and managed by the U.S. Air Force, for broadcastdistribution of radio signals containing information from which positionon earth can be determined), hereinafter referred to as a GPS system, or“GPS.” Similar position determination signals will be available from theGalileo satellite system in the near future. In the present embodiment,portable device 114 has a geo-locating functionality 115, operable withits cellular telephone functionality, for accessing geo-location relatedsignal group 151 and determining portable device's geo-location, e.g.,geographic position, therewith. Geo-locating functionality 115, in thepresent implementation, comprises a GPS functionality (GPSF), whichexemplifies the functionality 115 herein. Geo-location determining andreporting (e.g., GPS) system 150 determines the geographic position ofthe portable device 114, such that the user can access locationalinformation with the device 114, e.g., with its GPS functionality. (Itis appreciated that device 114 may, in practice, utilize separateantennae to access cellular telephone and GPS signals.) Such capabilityis widely available in cellular phones, mainly due to the requirement bythe U.S. Federal Communications Commission that calls made by cellularphones to E-911 service centers include position information, tofacilitate a timely response to such emergency calls by including aposition fix of the caller. To date, the satellite-based position fix isderived in conjunction with satellite data provided via a data link fromthe E-911 service center, sent to the cellphone when the E-911 call isestablished; but the GPS receivers included in the cellphones can alsodetermine their position autonomously, given sufficient time(non-emergency situations) to acquire and track the satellites.Therefore the GPS receivers can be used for such applications as aredescribed in this application, as well as for the E-911 servicerequirement.

While the present embodiment is described with reference to GPS ascomprising the geo-location determining and reporting system 150, itshould be appreciated that an alternative embodiment may be practicedwhere the geolocation determining and reporting system 150 is a systemother than GPS. In such an embodiment, geo-locating functionality 115 iscapable of accessing that system. In one embodiment, geo-locatingfunctionality 115 comprises a GPS functionality capable of accessing oneor more geo-location systems, in addition to its GPS access capability,such as the Galileo system, or such as the digital television-basedpositioning system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,806,830, 6,753,812,6,727,847, 6,717,547, 6,559,800, and 6,522,297 issued to the Rosum Corp.and incorporated by reference herein. This system substantially relieson triangulation position determination using multiple televisiontransmitters.

In one embodiment, GPS (e.g., or other geo-location functionality) 115is programmed into portable device 114, e.g., as software stored inflash or other memory, storage, etc. and/or suitable hardware andfirmware available from Trimble Navigation Ltd., a corporation inSunnyvale, Calif. In one embodiment, GPSF 115 allows the geographicposition of the portable device 114 to be precisely and accuratelydetermined.

In one embodiment, portable device 114 functions to run an application,e.g., with a processing functionality operable with its communicationfunctionality. This application relates to performing a process (e.g., amethod implemented on portable device 114 with its processor) forwirelessly accessing server 102 with (e.g., via, using, etc.) cellulartelephone system 117, accessing data relating to a trip with (e.g., via,using, etc.) server 102, and downloading the trip related data such asWeb pages, maps, etc. therefrom to portable device 114.

Thus, portable device 114 can be used for management functions (e.g.,managing, planning, journaling, mapping, documenting, etc.) related tothe trip. Further, in one embodiment, portable device 114 hasfunctionality to capture information such as images (e.g., graphicsfiles) and/or sounds (e.g., audio files) relating to its geo-locationand send the information to server 102, which can store it, e.g., withthe data relating to the trip, etc. In one embodiment, portable device114 is deployed associated with (e.g., mounted on, in, etc.) a vehicle.

Exemplary Network Infrastructure

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary network based infrastructure 200, upon whichan embodiment of the present invention can be practiced. Network basedinfrastructure 200 can be based on any capable network. In oneembodiment, infrastructure 200 comprises a Web based environment inwhich network 210 comprises, e.g., one or more WANs, an intranet, theInternet, etc.

Client computer 101 accesses another component of infrastructure 200 vianetwork 210. There is no particular limit to the number of clientcomputers supportable by infrastructure 200 relevant to the discussionof the present invention. In one embodiment, each client computer 101 isauthorized to access infrastructure 200. Infrastructure 200 has a Webserver 203, which has access to network 210, an application server 204,and a database server 207.

The Web environment of infrastructure 200 can be UNIX based, Windowsbased, or based on another system and can be Java capable. In theexemplary embodiments discussed herein, infrastructure 200 has a Javabased Web environment. The Web environment can provide to infrastructure200 features including load balancing, failover, and built-inredundancy.

One exemplary implementation of infrastructure 200 provides a Java basedWeb environment wherein Web server 203 depicts one or more Web serverssuch as the Apache™ or a similar server. Application server 204 depictsone or more application servers such as the Borland™ Enterprise Serveror similar application servers. Database server 207 depicts one or moredatabase servers such as the Oracle™ or similar database server. Wheremultiple application servers are depicted by application server 204(and/or e.g., multiple Web servers by Web server 203), in one embodimenteach application server 204 links to the various Web servers 203 forproviding load balancing and other fault tolerance for high volumetraffic (e.g., failover, built-in redundancy, etc.).

Applications running in the Web environment 200 of this implementation,e.g., with application server 204, are substantially compliant with thewith the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition™ (J2ME) and use a K VirtualMachine (KVM) and/or with the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition™(J2EE) and run in their own Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It should beappreciated that the Web environment of infrastructure 200 can beimplemented with various other configurations, features, and/orcomponents, etc.

In one embodiment, application server 204 accesses network 210 via Webserver 203. Alternatively, application server 204 has direct access tonetwork 210. In one embodiment, application server 204 accesses adatabase 206 via database server 107, using a database management system(DBMS) 208. Application server 204 processes information for clientcomputer 201 and portable device (e.g., cell phone) 214, etc. andprovides processing required to provide these computers with currentinformation. In one embodiment, application server 204 performs businesslogic, which functions with DBMS 208.

In one implementation, Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and/or otherscripts are supported and processing is performed with EnterpriseJavaBeans (EJB), Java Server Pages (JSP), and/or Java servlets. Anotherlinkage modality between the content of, e.g., database 206 andparticular Hypertext markup Language (HTML) and Wireless Markup Language(WML) documents (e.g., Web pages, etc.) can be supported with the CGIand/or other scripts.

In one exemplary implementation of infrastructure 200, database 206depicts one or more databases. Database server 207 includes DBMS 108 andaccesses database 206 for storing and retrieval of information therein.DBMS 208 controls organization, storage, retrieval, security, andintegrity of the information in database 206. In one embodiment,database server 207 accesses map and aerial/space (e.g., satellite,etc.) photograph (photo) database 266 for retrieval of informationtherein.

In one embodiment, map and aerial/space photo database 266 comprise twoor more individual databases. In an alternate embodiment, map andaerial/space photo database 266 is accessed with network 210 withoutdatabase server 207, e.g., with a database server otherwise independentof network environment 200.

Web server 203 provides Web functionality within infrastructure 200 withits hardware and operating system (OS), with software, with TransferControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Transfer Protocol(WTP), and/or Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and content such asWeb pages and other documents, e.g., rendered in HTML, WML, etc. Whereinfrastructure 200 comprises an internal, enterprise based and/orsubscription based network infrastructure, network 210 comprises anintranet and Web server 203 functions as an intranet server.

Web server 203 handles information requests in, e.g., Hypertext TransferProtocol (HTTP), WAP, WTP, etc. and responds with appropriate HTML, WML,etc. documents. Web server 203 also executes, e.g., CGI and otherscripts, JSPs, and Active Server Pages (ASP), etc. In one exemplaryimplementation, Web server 203 comprises a separate HTTP server, WTPserver, and/or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server, etc. In another, Webserver 203 provides all such functionality in a single entity.

In one embodiment, application server 204 provides middlewarefunctionality to enable a browser based application running, e.g., withclient computer 201 and/or cell phone 214 to access various informationsources. Application server 204 supports a suite 209 of network basedapplications, which in one embodiment can be Web based. Network basedapplications of suite 209 is downloaded, e.g., at client computer 201and/or cell phone 214 from application server 207 via network 210 withWeb server 203, at run time.

In one embodiment, portable device 214 functions to determine itsgeographic location, e.g., accesses a signal 251 relating to thatlocation. The geo-location related signal 251 is generated by ageographic location determining and reporting system 250 in response toa location related query by portable device 214 and comprises datacorresponding to the location of the portable device 214. In oneembodiment, geographic location determining and reporting system 250comprises the GPS discussed above. In another embodiment, a geographiclocation determining and reporting system other than or in addition tothe GPS are used. However, geo-location determining/reporting system 250is exemplified by the GPS and is referred to herein as GPS 250; this isillustrative and is not intended to be limiting.

In the present implementation, portable device 214 has a GPS and/orother geo-locating functionality 215, operable with its cellulartelephone functionality, for accessing geo-location related signal 251and determining portable device's geo-location, e.g., geographicposition, therewith. GPS functionality (GPSF) 215 accesses GPS signal251 to determine the geographic position of the portable device 214. Itshould be appreciated that device 214 may, in practice, utilize separateantennae to access cellular telephone and GPS signals.

While the present embodiment is described with reference to GPS ascomprising the geo-location determining and reporting system 250, itshould be appreciated that an alternative embodiment may be practicedwhere the geo-location determining and reporting system 250 is a systemother than GPS. In such an embodiment, geo-locating functionality 215 iscapable of accessing that system. In one embodiment, geo-locatingfunctionality 215 comprises a GPS functionality capable of accessing oneor more geo-location systems, in addition to its GPS access capability.

In one embodiment, GPS (e.g., or other geo-location functionality) 215is programmed into portable device 214, e.g., as software stored inflash or other memory, storage, etc. and/or hardware, firmware, etc.available from Trimble Navigation Ltd. GPSF 215 allows the geographicposition of the portable device 214 to be precisely and accuratelydetermined. The absolute position accuracy available from GNSS/GPSsystems is typically 4-7 meters. Better accuracy is available with avariety of corrections systems well-known in the arts.

In one embodiment, portable device 214 functions to run an application,e.g., with a processing functionality operable with its communicationfunctionality. This application relates to performing a process (e.g., amethod implemented on portable device 214 with its processor) forwirelessly accessing Web server 203 (e.g., and/or application server204, database server 206, etc.) with (e.g., via, using, etc.) cellulartelephone system 217, accessing data relating to a trip with (e.g., via,using, etc.) those servers, and downloading the trip related data suchas Web pages, maps, etc. therefrom to portable device 214.

Thus, portable device 214 can be used for management functions (e.g.,managing, planning, journaling, mapping, documenting, etc.) related tothe trip. Further, in one embodiment, portable device 214 hasfunctionality to capture information such as images (e.g., graphicsfiles) and/or sounds (e.g., audio files) relating to its geo-locationand send the information to servers 203, 207, etc., which can store it,e.g., with the data relating to the trip, etc., in database 206.

Exemplary Portable Device

FIG. 3A depicts a portable device 300, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Portable device 300 can exemplify portable devices114, 214 discussed above (FIGS. 1, 2, respectively). Portable device 300comprises, in various implementations, a cellular telephone, a GPSdevice that incorporates cellular telephone functionality, a portabledigital assistant (PDA) or e.g., another small form factor computingdevice (e.g., computer) such as a palmtop computer, a handheld computer,pocket computer, etc., or another portable computer such as a laptop,wherein the PDA and/or other computers have cellular telephone and/orother communications and/or networking functionality. Portable device300 is housed in a sturdy case 313 made of a protective material such asplastic, etc.

Portable device 300 has a display 301 for displaying information to auser. Display 301 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD), cold cathode(e.g., thin) or other cathode ray tube (CRT) device, etc. and displaysimages (e.g., comprising pixels, etc.) and can achieve high resolution,chrominance, luminance, etc., and in some implementations may bereflective, backlit, etc. In one implementation, display 301 comprises alightweight, low power consumption, etc. display device.

Portable device 300 has an interface unit 302 for allowing a user tointerface therewith, e.g., for operational, data entry, etc. functions.Interface unit 302 comprises, in one implementation, an alphanumericinput device such as a telephone keyboard, a small form factor QWERTY’or other keyboard, an electromechanically actuated notepad device,buttons, knobs, switches etc. In one implementation, interface unit 302operates with display 301 to allow graphical user interface (GUI)functionality, e.g., with interactive windows, fields, screen ‘buttons’,icons, etc. displayed thereon.

Component circuitry 310 within case 313 provides functionality forportable device 300. An antenna 303 (e.g., coupled with internal circuit310), which can be retractable (e.g., into the inside of case 313)allows portable device 300 to function wirelessly, e.g., forcommunicating with a network. An antenna 393 allows device 300 to accesssignals from the GPS or another geo-locating system, etc. (e.g.,networks 110, 210 and GPS 150, 250; FIGS. 1, 2). Graphical data relatingto trip management such as photographs, aerial and/or space photographs,maps, map tiles, etc., like other information, are displayed to the useron display 301, which is controlled with circuit 310. In one embodiment,circuit 310 comprises GPS and/or other geo-locating functionality, whichin one embodiment is software based and programmed into components ofcircuit 310.

Factors contributing to the utility of portable device 300 includeportability, anytime usefulness in all manner of places in almost anyconceivable circumstance, and more recently, versatility with variousapplications, including geo-locating functionality 350. In oneembodiment, the geo-locating and trip management functionality ofportable device 300 is provided with a modular system, which can beimplemented in software, hardware, firmware and/or any combination ofsame. Such software comprises, in one embodiment, a computer readablemedium having encoded therein (e.g., thereon, etc.) a code for causing acomputer system to perform a method for a trip management function.Modules comprising the system for a trip management functionality caninclude components of circuit 310, programmed configurations of suchcomponents, and/or code stored with such components.

Exemplary Circuit

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary circuit 310, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. Circuit 310 provides a variety of functionalityto portable electronic device 300 (FIG. 3A), which performs acommunication function. A processor (e.g., a microprocessor) 312operates, in one embodiment, with a digital signal processor (DSP) 319and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver (Tx/Rx) 320, which provide thecommunications functionality. Processor 312 further operates withpositioning DSP 399 and positioning RF Tx/Rx 392, which providepositioning functionality.

RF Tx/Rx 320 is coupled to antenna 303 with a pair of amplifiers 321 and322. Transmission amplifier 321 amplifies an output of RF Tx/Rx 320 topropagate an RF signal with the antenna 303. Receiving amplifier 322amplifies signals such as cellular telephone signals accessed withantenna 303 to provide an amplified input corresponding thereto totransceiver 320. Positioning RF Tx/Rx 392 is coupled to GPS antenna 393for accessing a GPS signal (e.g., GPS signal 251; FIG. 2). (It should beappreciated that a pair, or another configuration, of RF amplifiers (notshown) similar to amplifiers 321 and 322, but designed and configured tooperate at the frequencies corresponding to GPS type signals, canintercouple the positioning RF Tx/Rx 392 to GPS antenna 393.Transmission amplifier 321 amplifies an output of RF Tx/Rx 320 topropagate an RF signal with the antenna 303. Receiving amplifier 322amplifies signals such as cellular telephone signals accessed withantenna 303 to provide an amplified input corresponding thereto totransceiver 320.

Thus, circuit 310 allows portable electronic device 314 (FIG. 3) tocouple with a cellular telephone system, a GPS and/or anothergeo-locating determination and reporting system.

Battery 338 provides power to circuit 310 with power manager 318, whichfunctions with microprocessor 312 to manage power consumption,conservation, protection, etc. for portable device 314. An adapter 339allows power to be drawn from an external source for circuit 314 and,with power manager 318, allows battery 338 to be charged, recharged,etc.

Display controller 317 operates with microprocessor 312 to controldisplay 301 and e.g., data displayed thereon. Interface controller 316operates with microprocessor 312 to control interface 302, with which auser can interface with the computer effectively comprised by circuit310.

Random access memory (RAM) 313 functions with microprocessor 312 toprovide a memory workspace for computing processes carried out withmicroprocessor 312. A read-only memory (ROM) 314 handles basicinput/output system (BIOS) functions with microprocessor 312 andprovides pre-programmed boot and/or other code to the microprocessor312.

Storage medium 315 comprises, in one exemplary implementation, a Flashmemory structure for storing programming code such as relate tocommunications, networking, computing, and/or geo-location functionalityfor use with microprocessor 312, as well as data stored by a user ofportable device 14, such as graphical and audio data, such as thoserelating to a trip being managed using portable device 314. In oneembodiment, geo-locating functionality programmed into storage (e.g.,flash) 315 comprises GPS functionality 350. In one embodiment, GPSfunctionality 350 functions with another geo-location system; e.g., inaddition to or instead of the GPS.

In one embodiment, processor 312 functions, e.g., with thecommunications functionality of circuit 315, for running an applicationrelating to performing a process for managing a trip.

In one embodiment, an image capture mechanism 345 such as a chargedcoupled device (CCD) imager 345 accesses light admitted with imagecapture aperture 306 (FIG. 3) of the portable device 314 and convertsthe light into corresponding electrical signals which are processed withimage capture controller for storage in flash medium 315 and/or furtherprocessing with processor 312.

In one embodiment, an audio processor 334 receives an input frommicrophone 309, amplified with audio amplifier 337. In one embodiment,audio processor 334 provides an output to speaker 308, which isamplified with audio amplifier 338.

Exemplary Process for Trip Management

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a computer implemented process 400 for managinga trip, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Process 400begins with step 401, wherein portable device 300 wirelessly contacts aserver with a cellular telephone system (e.g., server 203, cellulartelephone system 217; FIG. 2).

In step 402, data relating to the trip is accessed with the server. Instep 403, the data so accessed, which is useful for managing the trip,is downloaded from the server to the portable electronic device (PED).In step 404, the portable electronic device determines its geo-location,such as with respect to a related GPS signal 551 (FIG. 5). In step 405,the position of the PED, which may be changing, e.g., with movement, istracked, e.g., with the GPS 550. In step 406, it is determined whethermore data, e.g., a sequential map tile, is to be downloaded to the PED.If so, in step 407, that data is downloaded.

If not, process 400 continues with step 408, wherein informationrelating to the geo-location of the device, such as a photograph (e.g.,a JPEG, MPEG, etc. file) and/or a sound and/or other audio information(e.g., a MIDI file), text based data such as notes, etc., is/arecaptured, e.g., at that geo-location.

In optional step 409, upon a user inputting the information to theportable device, that information is stored thereon. In optional step410, upon a user acting to send this information, it is wirelessly sentto the server with the cellular telephone system. In optional step 411,the server includes the information sent to it with the data relating tothe trip, completing process 400.

Exemplary System

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary network based computerized system 50,according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment,network based system 50 comprises components of a network environmentand/or infrastructure such as discussed above (e.g., FIGS. 1, 2).Network based system 50 has a network 51, which can comprise theInternet, a WAN, etc.

A server 52 coupled with network 51 runs a network based application 54,which allows a user of a client computer 55 to store, with server 52,data relating to a trip (e.g., trip data) 59. Server 52 can store data59 in database 53. A cellular telephone system (CTS) 56, coupled withthe network 51. A portable electronic device (PED) 500 is disposed towirelessly communicate with CTS 56.

Thus, the PED 500 accesses server 52 and downloads therefrom trip data59, which can be maps comprised of map tiles, retrieved for instancefrom a map database such as that associated with the United States Coastand Geodetic Survey (USGS). PED 500 wirelessly accesses a signal 551relating to its position, which is transmitted by a GPS (e.g., and/oranother geo-location determining and reporting system). In oneembodiment, map tiles are sequentially downloaded to the PED 500 tocorrespond with a change in its geo-location.

In one embodiment, system 50 exemplifies a mission planning toolcomprising a first application running on a client computer andperforming a first process and a second application running on aportable computer for performing a second process. The first processcomprises accessing a server networked with the client computer andplacing information relating to the mission on the server.

Missions supportable by the mission planning tool include outdoorrecreation and travel, construction, exploring, surveying, mapping,civil and/or military operations, logistics, geo-caching, mining,rescues, utility work including construction and maintenance ofwirelines, pipelines, antennae, substations, and/or other remote,isolated, wilderness, etc. facilities, and myriad related similar,and/or comparable activities, endeavors, and/or enterprises.

The second process comprises accessing the server remotely with acommunication system, retrieving a first portion of the informationaccording to a first location of the portable computer and displayingthat first portion therewith. As the portable computer moves to a secondlocation, the second process further comprises retrieving a secondportion of the trip information according to the second location anddisplaying that second portion therewith.

The portable computer can function to gather data relating to themission remotely between the first and second locations, inclusive. Uponit doing so, the second process further comprises sending the data tothe server with (e.g., via) the communication system. The server storesthe data, e.g., with and/or associated with the trip information.

Exemplary Map

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary map 610 (e.g., a map window), presented withdisplay 301. Map 610 comprises map tiles 611-616, each having bordersthat comprise a boundary 687 of that map tile corresponding to asubstantially linear contour of a geographical area circumscribed (e.g.,encompassed, etc.) with its borders. In one embodiment, map 610comprises a dynamic display.

For instance, as the PED moves, changing its geo-location, it is trackedby the GPS on a path, course, etc. 683. Users can annotate informationalong path 683, which correlates to the PED's geo-location. Further, aspath 683 reaches border 686 of map tile 615, the next sequential maptile (and e.g., its compliment) after map tile(s) 615 (and e.g., 616)are automatically downloaded from the server and displayed.

In one embodiment, map 600 displays relevant, corresponding, etc.topographic information, such as with contour lines 638, graphical maprelated symbols, icons, etc. 639, and/or aerial/space/etc. photographicimagery 622 associated with or corresponding to, etc., a particulargeo-location or geolocation nexus.

Exemplary System

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary Web-based, computerized application system70, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Components ofsystem 70 can comprise hardware, software, firmware, and/or combinationsthereof. System 70 has a GUI 71, which allows a user of client computer79 to store data, such as a Web document 75, with servers 203, 204,and/or 207, e.g., in database 206. GUI 71 further allows a user of a PED(e.g., PED 300; FIG. 3A) to interactively view and handle data ondisplay 301 with (e.g., via, etc.) network 710 and CTS 723 with one ormore interactive windows 72 (and 73) shown thereon.

In one embodiment, GUI 71 comprises a plurality of GUIs. A wirelessdevice interface, operating with GUI 71, allows the PED, wirelesslycouples with CTS 723, to accesses Web document 75. The PED isconfigured, in one embodiment, as discussed above (e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3B).

Exemplary Process for Trip Management

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps in an exemplary computer implementedprocess 800 for managing a trip, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 800 begins with step 801, wherein data suchas a Web page relating to the trip is stored with a server coupled witha network to a client computer, e.g., by a user thereof.

In step 802, a map, which can comprise a sequence of map tilescorresponding to progressively related (e.g., with, via, travel,movement etc.), is retrieved, for instance from a map server. The mapscan comprise the Web document.

In step 803, the Web document, map tiles, and/or other data is/aredownloaded to a portable device (PED) upon access therewith to theserver. In step 804, the PED determines its geo-location, geographicposition, etc., e.g., with reference to a GPS signal.

In step 805, information relating to the geo-location (and e.g.,correlated therewith) is stored on the PED. In step 806, the informationis uploaded from the PED to the server. In step 807, the information isstored with the server, e.g., in a database, with the trip related data.It is accessible there to authorized users.

In step 808, a user is billed for accessing, storing, etc. the data,information, etc. relating to the trip. The billing can be on the basisof a subscription for continuing or other services, a pay per use basis,and/or a promotional basis, etc.

Exemplary Data Flow

FIG. 9 depicts exemplary data flow 900 between a server 902 and a PED901, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Data flow 900corresponds to action of functionality 911-916, as discussed above.

FIG. 10 depicts a screen shot of an exemplary display 301 correspondingto the positions of GPS satellite from which a signal, displayedaccording to signal strength on a bar graph 1010, according to anembodiment of the present invention. Concentric rings 91 and 92 and dot93 display relative azimuthal positions. Ring 91 represents the horizonsurrounding the PED. Dot 93 represents straight overhead the PED, andring 92 represents an elevation (e.g., position angle) of 45 degreesbetween the horizon and dead overhead.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary computerized, network basedprocess 1100 for accessing data relating to a location with reference toa free form input, according to an embodiment of the present invention.Process 1100 begins with step 1101, wherein a search function isselected with a user interface such as a GUI.

In step 1102, a Web page, relating to the search function, is opened. Instep 1103, a location relating to the trip is entered. In oneembodiment, entering this location includes step 1104, wherein a freeform data entry relating to the location is entered, e.g., with theinterface. For instance, a name corresponding to the location can beentered.

In this embodiment, entering the location also includes step 1105,wherein a distance corresponding to the length of a radius around thatlocation is entered. Responsive to entering the location (e.g., step1103), in step 1106 a geographic database such as Terraserver™ isqueried for a geographic position, e.g., a latitude and a longitudecorresponding to that free form data entry.

In step 1107, a first list of locations corresponding to the free formdata entry is accessed. Each listing on that first list comprises ageographic position corresponding thereto, wherein said first list isreturned by the geographic database in response to the query. In step1108, a trip database is searched for trips stored thereon thatcorrespond to the first list within the specified radius.

In step 1109, a second list comprising corresponding trips (e.g., allsuch trips) stored on the trips server is generated. In step 1110, bothlists are displayed to allow a user to access the data, completingprocess 1100. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary computerizedprocess 120 for managing a trip, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 120 begins with step 121, wherein a server isaccessed, e.g., with a client computer networked thereto. In step 122,information relating to the trip is stored (e.g., placed) on the server.This information is then accessible remotely with a portable electronicdevice, such as a cellular telephone with position determiningcapability, a GPS with cellular telephone capability, a PDA and/oranother computer with both cellular telephone and position determiningcapability.

In summary, systems, methods, and devices for performing a tripmanagement function are disclosed. A client computer accesses a servernetworked therewith to retrieve and store data, such as Web documents,relating to the trip. A wireless device interface allows a portabledevice, wirelessly coupled with a cellular telephone system with thenetwork, to download the Web document. The portable device has cellulartelephone functionality, geo-locating functionality, such as GPScapability, for determining its geo-location, and a processor forprocessing the Web document to help manage the trip. The Web documentcan include a set of map tiles, which encompass a particulargeo-location area, and which form a dynamic map display. As thegeo-location of the device changes, the next sequential map tile isdownloaded and processed for displayed thereon.

Embodiments of the present invention described above thus relate tosystems, methods, and devices for performing a trip management function.While the present invention has been described in particular exemplaryembodiments, the present invention should not be construed as limited bysuch embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network based computerized system for managinga trip, the system comprising: a network, said network comprising one ormore of: the Internet; and a wide area network; a server coupled to saidnetwork and running a network based application, said server configuredto allow a user of a client computer coupled with said network to store,on said server, data relating to said trip, said server furtherconfigured to receive from said client computer a search relating tosaid trip, wherein said search comprises a location name, a radiusaround a location corresponding to said location name, and a query to adatabase for a geographic position corresponding to said location; and acellular telephone system coupled to said network, said cellulartelephone system configured to allow a user of a portable electronicdevice to wirelessly access said server and download therefrom said datarelating to said trip; wherein said portable electronic device performsa geo-locating function for determining a geographic location of saidportable electronic device, wherein said portable electronic deviceaccesses a signal relating to said geographic location, said signalgenerated by a system for determining said geographic location; whereinsaid portable electronic device is configured to access from said servera portion of said data relating to said trip via a browser basedapplication, wherein said portion of said data relating to said trip isassociated with said determined geographic location of said portableelectronic device, wherein said data relating to said trip to bedisplayed on the portable electronic device comprises a first listcomprising a plurality of locations within a radius of said geographicposition corresponding to said location, and a second list comprisingstored trip data relating to said plurality of locations from said firstlist, and wherein said trip data relating to said trip comprises aplurality of map tiles dynamically displayed on said portable electronicdevice such that, as said geographic location changes to a newgeographic location, a next sequential map tile corresponding to saidnew geographic location is automatically downloaded from said server anddisplayed on said portable electronic device; wherein said portableelectronic device further comprises a processor configured to plan andmanage said trip using said data relating to said trip at said portabledevice, wherein said trip is a new trip; and wherein said server isconfigured to bill the user of the portable electronic device forperforming said accessing said server.
 2. The system as recited in claim1 wherein said system for determining said geographic location comprisesone or more of Global Positioning System, a Global Navigation SatelliteService, a television signal based position determining system, whereinsaid portable electronic device accesses said signal generated by saidsystem for determining said geographic location.
 3. The system asrecited in claim 2 wherein said portable electronic device comprises oneor more of: a cellular telephone wherein said geo-locating function isperformed with a Global Positioning System functionality; a handheldposition determining device, wherein said handheld position determiningdevice comprises functionality for performing a cellular telephonefunction; and a computer comprising functionality for performing acellular telephone function and said geo-locating function.
 4. Thesystem as recited in claim 1 wherein each map tile of said plurality ofmap tiles comprises a border, wherein said border comprises a boundaryseparating one said map tile from another said map tile, and whereinsaid boundary corresponds to a substantially linear contour of ageographical area circumscribed by said border.
 5. The system as recitedin claim 1 further comprising one or more databases located on adatabase server distinct from said server wherein at least one of saiddatabases comprises a map database and wherein said map is retrievedfrom said map database.
 6. The system as recited in claim 5 wherein saiddata relating to said trip relates to an elevation.
 7. The system asrecited in claim 6 wherein said map comprises a contour map.
 8. Thesystem as recited in claim 1 wherein said data relating to said tripcomprises a graphical image.
 9. The system as recited in claim 8 whereinsaid graphical image comprises an aerial/space photograph.
 10. Thesystem as recited in claim 1 wherein said data relating to said trip isa Hypertext Markup Language document or a Wireless Markup Languagedocument.
 11. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein said cellulartelephone system further allows said portable electronic device towirelessly access said server and upload thereto information relating tosaid geographical location and wherein said server stores saidinformation relating to said geographical location with said datarelating to said trip.
 12. The system as recited in claim 11 whereinsaid server allows an authorized person to access said data.